He won the past two Big Ten Silver Footballs as the conference’s best player, has appeared on more Sports Illustrated covers than any Ohio State athlete in history (four) and is seen as a serious Heisman candidate heading into the 2014 season.

However, the only way he can take care of the team success vacancy on his resume this year is by staying healthy.

Miller had offseason surgery on his shoulder and missed spring practice. He has been limited in August training as well and is clearly easing back into things.

We’re kind of bringing him along slowly. I think we have a really good plan to get him where he needs to be Aug. 30. We definitely don’t need to rush it.

I love Braxton’s work ethic, his attitude, his mentality. His mindset is awesome. His understanding of the game is great, and his leadership has improved. We’re just letting him come along physically.

It’s part of the plan. There was no he got the hook in the middle of the day. It was all planned out. We’re doing that with some other guys who started a lot who are coming off injuries, just watching their volume until they build into it.

It’s certainly encouraging that things are apparently going according to plan, but any Buckeye fan who remembers Miller trying to push the ball downfield…